What is "trauma-informed care"?

Trauma-informed care is an approach that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and integrates this understanding into service delivery. Recognizing that many clients have experienced various forms of trauma, this framework prioritizes safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity in interactions with clients. It emphasizes the need to create environments where clients feel safe, respected, and empowered to share their stories.

Incorporating trauma-informed care means that professionals are not only aware of trauma's prevalence but are also skilled in how to provide support without re-traumatizing individuals. This approach can be applied across different populations, not limited only to children, and spans various service settings, which enhances its accessibility and effectiveness.

The emphasis is on resilience and recovery, guiding practitioners to adjust their strategies based on an understanding of each client’s unique experiences with trauma. This stands in contrast to approaches that may overlook the significance of trauma or focus solely on specific therapeutic methods, which might not address the broader implications of past traumatic experiences.